Mrs. Neel

Hello My Name Is...

Barbara M. Neel

I've always loved school, and I played school as a little girl. My mom taught 2nd grade for 25 years in the same classroom. I attended the University of Montevallo and received a degree in child development and nutrition. I taught 3 year old kindergarten in Mountain Brooke City Schools for one year. Mike and I got married on Dec. 14, 1985 and I returned to U of M and got my elementary education degree. I taught 4th grade, 5/6th split in various school in the Birmingham area. After our first daughter was born when I was 28, Mike and I decided I'd stay home with our children. The very next year we had Hannah, so as I was home and loved it! I applied for a freelance job at Southern Living(Progressive Farmer ) Magazine and was a freelance designer for 5 years. I loved being able to use my creative talents and design capabilities while being home with our girls. I am also a pianist, so most of my life I've been a church pianist. When our girls got old enough to attend school, we decided to home school because my husband traveled with his job and we thought this would increase their learning. When we decided to move to Mentone(Emily 14, Hannah 13) the girls wanted to attend school. Yes, this is how I started teaching again. I have enjoyed my teaching career as a more mature person. I think I have more empathy, patience and understanding of students. Last year I returned to school and earned my Master's Degree of Educational Leadership I have taught 17 years and it has been good. During this time we have gained a son-in- law and two amazing little grandsons whom we adore. I am blessed and thankful for my career in Dekalb County, especially at VHS!